Almighty God, You know the secrets of our hearts. Tune our hearts to seek Your face, Your truth and Your will, for the sake of Your name.
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Introduction
Before God sets the world right, He will restore us by surfacing our blind spots.
A. WE FAIL TO SEE THE INJUSTICE WE PRACTISE IN OUR OWN LIVES
B. WE FAIL TO SEE THAT GOD WILL FIRST PURIFY US AND RESTORE IN US THE FEAR OF HIM
Conclusion
Sunday Worship Songs at cefc.sg/sws
Next Week’s Topic: Malachi 3:6-12
Next Week’s Speaker(s): Rev Tan Kay Kiong (BPJ), Rev Sandra Chi (WDL) & Rev LDW (SKG)
Big Idea: When life seems unfair, remember that God is coming!
Introduction
When life seems unfair, remember that God is coming:
A. TO SET THINGS ARIGHT (2:17–3:1)
Application: Am I trusting that God is just when life seems unjust?
B. TO SET PEOPLE APART (3:2–5)
1. Purify the priesthood of believers (vv. 2-4)
2. Punish the people who do not have the fear of God (v. 5)
Application: Am I living in the fear of God in light of His coming?
Conclusion
1. What am I seeking for God to set aright?
2. What must I surrender for God to set me apart?
Sunday Worship Songs at cefc.sg/sws
Next Week’s Topic: Malachi 3:6-12
Next Week’s Speaker(s): Rev Tan Kay Kiong (BPJ), Rev Sandra Chi (WDL) & Rev LDW (SKG)
Getting Started:
1. Have you argued with God? (Somehow God allows it without destroying us — isn’t that gracious?)
2. In the Psalms we have laments; in Malachi — disputation (mutual accusation)!
THE PEOPLE’S ACCUSATION (2:17):
1. The people’s accusation: God you’re not there / God you’re not fair / God you don’t care! (v. 17)
2. Examine the assumption beneath the accusation: God, I could do a better job than you!
3. The assumption leads to alienation: distrust leads to distancing.
GOD’S ANSWER TO THE ACCUSATION (3:1-5):
1. God dignifies us with an answer, even though the question wearies him (2:17)
2. The answer is on our terms but His, not from our perspective but His.
“I am more than fair. I am just.”
1. God says: “I am not absent, I will come to you!” (v. 1)
2. We have assurance that He will right all wrongs, as the judge of all the earth (v. 5). But also a warning — “I will draw near to you for judgment”.
3. Reflect on this: We are quick to insist on justice when sins are committed against us, but assume we deserve mercy when we sin against God and others.
“I am more than fair. I am loving.”
1. God says: “I will come to cleanse!” (v. 2). Two images: refiner’s fire and fuller’s “soap”. Soap was actually caustic alkaline lye.
2. The image of caustic lye reminds us that God’s cleansing can sometimes cause pain.
3. Pain can make us doubt whether the arduous journey of sanctification and transformation is worth it.
4. We must journey together and help each other look beyond the pain to the promise: of worship and restored relationship (vv. 3-4).
5. “God’s refining exists because worship doesn’t”. Jesus saves us from our sins and for a purpose — to worship God and be with Him forever!
Conclusion
Don’t stay stuck, you don’t have to. Don’t delay; respond today!
Sunday Worship Songs at cefc.sg/sws
Next Week’s Topic: Malachi 3:6-12
Next Week’s Speaker(s): Rev Tan Kay Kiong (BPJ), Rev Sandra Chi (WDL) & Rev LDW (SKG)
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What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?
What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.
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